10 Interesting the Underground Railroad Facts

The Underground Railroad Facts elaborate the ideas of a network of secret routes used by the African slaves to escape to Canada and other free states. The life of the Africans in America had been subject of sympathy among the abolitionists. Therefore, they helped the enslaved Africans to earn their freedom.

The Underground Railroad Facts 1: the formation of the Underground Railroad

The formation of the Underground Railroad was in the beginning of the 19th century even though various routes had been established in the end of 17th century. Check facts about slavery in America here.

The Underground Railroad Facts 2: the height of Underground Railroad

In 1850 and 1860s, the Underground Railroad was heavily used by the enslaved Africans.

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The Underground Railroad Facts 3: the slaves

The number of African slaves who escaped using the Underground Railroad was 100,000 slaves in 1850.

The Underground Railroad Facts 4: Canada

The most popular destination for the enslaved Africans to earn their freedom was the British North America. Today, the area is called Canada. Most of them decided to live in Ontario.

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The Underground Railroad Facts 5: during the 20-year peak period

During the twenty year peak period, the Underground Railroad had been accessed by more the 30,000 people. However, there were only 6,000 people reported using it by the United States Census figure.

The Underground Railroad Facts 6: William Still

William Still was an abolitionist who wrote The Underground Railroad Records of 1872, which documented the stories of various fugitives.

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The Underground Railroad Facts 7: the number of escaped slaves per year

The number of escaped per year during its peak was 1,000 slaves. They escaped via the Underground Railroad. The number of cases related to the escaped African slaves was around 5,000 cases.

The Underground Railroad Facts 8: Fugitive Slave Act of 1793

Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 stated that the slaveholders and agents would get help from the officials of the Free states to recapture the escaped slaves. However, this law was ignored.

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The Underground Railroad Facts 9: the slave catcher

The slave catcher was employed to recapture the escaped slaves. In some cases, the free blacks were captured by the catchers.

The Underground Railroad Facts 10: Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman had visited the South in 13 trips. He worked for the Underground Railroad and had saved 70 people to get their freedom out of slavery. This brave woman is called as Moses of the People due to her work for helping the enslaved black people. She directed the escaped slaves to live in Canada and other free states. Get facts about Harriet Tubman here.